Synagogue Aboard German-built Israel Ship Dedicated in Southampton

The small synagogue aboard the S.S. Israel, Israel’s newest and largest passenger liner, built in Germany under the terms of the reparations agreement, was dedicated today, just before the vessel left for Haifa, by British Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie who was assisted by Rabbi M. Newman, the ship’s rabbi. Present at the ceremony were Israel Ambassador Eliahu Elath and representatives of the Southampton Jewish community who presented the synagogue with a Kiddush cup.

Earlier this weekend, at a luncheon aboard the liner, Ambassador Elath spoke of the ties of friendship between Israel and Britain which he hoped would be strengthened by trade between the two states. He noted that Israel, with ports on the Mediterranean opening to the West, and outlets through the Red Sea to the East was the only country in Asia situated so fortunately for maritime commerce.